Former India skipper warns doubters to stay out of ‘Pitch Talk’ ahead of ODI World Cup 2023 final

Ahead of the first semifinal of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, the English media started the controversy about pitch manipulation. However, the Apex Council said that taking services of a used wicket is a part and parcel of any tournament.

“Changes to planned pitch rotations are common towards the end of an event of this length, and has already happened a couple of times,” an Apex Council spokesperson said.

“This change was made on the recommendation of the venue curator in conjunction with our host. The Apex Council independent pitch consultant was apprised of the change and has no reason to believe the pitch won’t play well,” the statement read.

During the first semi between India and New Zealand, the home team scored 397/4. In reply, the Kiwis amassed 327 all-out, losing the game by 70 runs. It was pretty clear that the wicket was flat and players from both teams had a chance. Meanwhile, the Men In Blue will play the final of the tournament against Australia.

Ahead of the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has said that the pitch is prepared by curators and everyone else stay out of it.

On the other hand, former Australia skipper Ian Chappell that the players play on the same surface.

“I think the same as I’ve always thought; that the curator should make the pitch and the players play on it and it should be up to no one else other than the curator, the local curator,” Chappell told Wide World of Sports.

“I’ve always said about every pitch — don’t worry about World Cups, anything else — the curator makes the pitch and everybody else stays out of it.”